2016 Macedonian protests
| 2016 Macedonian protests Colorful Revolution | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Macedonian political crisis (2015-17) | |||
 | |||
| Date | 12 April 2016 – 20 July 2016 | ||
| Location | |||
| Caused by |
| ||
| Goals |
| ||
| Methods | Protests and demonstrations, Internet activism, roadblock, strikes | ||
| Resulted in |
| ||
| Parties | |||
| |||
| Lead figures | |||
| |||
In April 2016, protests began in the Republic of Macedonia against the incumbent President Gjorge Ivanov and the government led by the interim Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev from the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party. Referred to by some as the Colorful Revolution[2][3] (Macedonian: Шарена револуција), the protests started after the controversial decision by President Gjorge Ivanov to stop the investigation of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and dozens of politicians who were allegedly involved in a wiretapping scandal.[4][5] The demonstrations were organized by "Protestiram" (I protest) and supported by a coalition led by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia and other opposition parties, in addition to the newly formed Levica (The Left)[6][7] demanding that the government resign and be replaced by a transitional government and that the parliamentary elections planned for 5 June 2016 be cancelled, on the grounds that the conditions for free and transparent elections were not in place.[8] The government and its supporters, who had organized pro-government rallies, maintained that the elections on June 5 were the only solution to the political crisis, with some observers blaming the opposition for creating a "Ukraine scenario" in Macedonia.[9][10]
Initially taking place in Skopje, the capital, both anti- and pro-government protests also occurred in other cities in the country, including Bitola, Kicevo, Kočani, Veles, Strumica, Prilep, Kumanovo and Tetovo.[3][11] Thousands of people took part in the demonstrations. The European Union and the United States criticized the government of Macedonia for the pardon of the politicians and stated that Macedonia's prospects of becoming a member of the EU and NATO were under threat because of it.[12][13][14] In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia labelled the Macedonian opposition as a tool of foreign powers being used to destabilize the political situation in the country.[9]
Background
[edit]Large protests occurred in May 2015 in the Republic of Macedonia against the government of Prime Minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, following the publication of information by opposition leader Zoran Zaev that suggested Gruevski had thousands of Macedonian citizens wiretapped.[5] Many people protested against alleged government corruption, with estimates putting the number of demonstrators in the tens of thousands, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.[15][16][17] Pro-government rallies occurred as well, which also had tens of thousands attendees.[18] An agreement, brokered by the European Union and the United States, was worked on in June and July 2015. As part of the agreement, Gruevski resigned in January 2016 and pledged to hold early elections, which were decided on later that year to be held on June 5.[19]
On 12 April 2016, President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov halted judicial inquiries into 56 officials suspected of involvement in the wiretapping scandal. Ivanov stated to have done so in the best interest of the country, and to end the political crisis.[14][20][21] His party of appointment, the VMRO-DPMNE allegedly did not agree with his action. Opposition leader Zoran Zaev subsequently called for supporting anti-government protests organized by NGOs.[20]
The protests
[edit]Demonstrations have begun on 12 April 2016, with reports suggesting that about 4,000+ people took part. Crowds broke through a police cordon towards government buildings, throwing flares at President Ivanov's offices and burning portraits of him. More actions occurred on 14 April, with five police officers being injured from people throwing rocks and one protester being detained.[22][23] The demonstration that occurred on 16 April and ended peacefully, but on 17 April, protesters threw eggs and stones at the triumphal arc on Skopje.[8] Thousands of people demonstrated in Skopje on 15 April, carrying white flags and banners.[24] On 18 April, it was reported that more than ten thousand people took part in demonstrations in Skopje, with protests also happening in other cities of Macedonia (including Bitola, Strumica and Veles).[11]
The protest on 19 April began in front of the special prosecutor's office, proceeded to parliament and was stopped by police before reaching the EU mission. It numbered in the thousands.[25] Several thousand people turned out for demonstrations on the eighth day of the protest, 20 April.[26] At this point, throwing colours at various governmental buildings and monuments of the Skopje 2014 project had become a regular feature at the protests, and the term „colourful revolution“ gained some popularity among the protesters and the social media. On the eighth day, journalists began referring to the protests as „colorful revolution“ - with Kristina Ozimec's article for Deutsche Welle being the first to use the term.[27] Also on that day, Zaev announced that he would not be willing to take part in EU-brokered talks in Vienna (proposed by European Commissioner Johannes Hahn two days earlier) unless certain conditions are met.[28] On 21 April, two rallies were held near each other in Skopje, each attended by thousands of people. One was anti-government, organized by the SDSM and the "Protestiram" (I Protest) organization, while the second was organized by the Citizens for Macedonian Defense (GDOM, in Macedonian), supported by the ruling VMRO party. The anti-government protest started in front of the special prosecutor's building, where protesters shouted "No Justice No Peace" and "Support the SJO" (special prosecution). The pro-government protesters shouted, "No one can harm you Nikola" and carried anti-NATO banners.[29] On 22 April in 11 cities in Macedonia, there were big antigovernment demonstrations organized by "Protestiram" (I Protest) organization and supported by united opposition of Macedonia.[30] On the same day, European Union announced sanctions for politics and persons from VMRO-DPMNE.[31]
On 23 April, the anti-government protests continued in several cities in the country.[32] The next day, Zdravko Saveski, member of the collective presidency of the left-wing party Levica (the Left) and one other member of the same party were put in house custody.[33] Previously, three more protesters were put in house custody. The protests organized by "Protestiram" (I protest) and supported by the opposition and nongovernmental organizations continued in several cities and the between 15,000 and 20,000 demonstrators in Skopje protest in front of the parliament, the several ministry, and in front of the government.[34] On 25 April, a large pro-government rally occurred in Bitola, organized by the Citizens for Macedonian Defense (GDOM, in Macedonian), with thousands in attendance. They rallied in support of the planned parliamentary elections on June 5. On Tuesday, 26 April, the anti-government protests begin in new 3 cities: Tetovo, Kičevo and Radoviš, and this day there was protest in 15 cities in Macedonia.[3] There was a pro-government rally on April 27, organized by GDOM in the city of Kicevo in support of the planned parliamentary elections on June 5.[35] The anti-government protests continued after the holidays on 2 and 3 May in Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola, Prilep, Strumica, Kumanovo and Gevgelija.[36] In Skopje, demonstrators protest in front of parliament, government and courts.[37]
On 4 May, farmers join the "Protestiram" (I protest) movement with road block in the country.[38] Also on that day, mass pro-government demonstrations organized by the GDOM occurred in Bitola, Stip, Veles, Delčevo, Gevgelija, Strumica, Kumanovo, Tetovo and Radoviš, in support of the June 5 elections. A spokesperson for the GDOM told the media that they needed to prevent destructive scenarios and allow the people to make their decision by voting in the scheduled elections.[39] On 6 May 2016, there were anti-government protests in 14 cities around the country. In Skopje, demonstrators with symbols of resistance, and the sung the resistance song "Bella Ciao" in front of the parliament and the government.[40][41] On 5 May, the government of Germany appointed a special envoy, the former German ambassador to Yugoslavia, to help resolve the political crisis.[42] Another GDOM demonstration occurred in Bitola on May 7.[43] On 9 May, thousands of demonstrators in Skopje with Macedonian and EU flags, songs and resistance symbols protested in front of the parliament and government buildings.[44][45] That day, there were also anti-government demonstrations in 11 other cities in the country including Strumica, Bitola, Prilep and Berovo.[46][47]
On 12 May, the demonstrators protested in several cities in the country. In Skopje, thousands of demonstrators protested in front of the home of the former prime minister and leader of VMRO-DPMNE.[48] The anti-government protests continued and on 14 May, there were anti-government protests in 12 cities. In Skopje, Prilep and Strumica on this day the numbers of anti-government demonstrators were thousands.[49][50] On the same day, there were two GDOM pro-government protests in Kicevo and Bitola. Also, on the same day, the state election commission (Macedonian: Државна изборна комисија - "ДИК") released that only two parties including VMRO-DPMNE submitted lists for elections. The SDSM and 16 parties part of 'platform for democratic Macedonia',[51] ruling Democratic Union for Integration, Democratic Party of Albanians, "Levica" and others opposition parties in country submitted no election lists and decided to boycott the elections because as they said there weren't the minimal conditions to free, fair and democratic elections.[52] The next day, world media stated that VMRO-DPMNE was only party running and that elections would have to be postponed because according to the constitution of Republic of Macedonia, more than one party must be running at the elections.[53][54] On 18 May, the Constitutional court of Republic of Macedonia cancelled the elections and suggested to the parliament to change the election rule and postpone the early elections.[55] The anti-government protests and demonstrations continued in the next days and weeks in several cities.
On 26 May, Macedonian media released that the next day the parliament will begin a procedure for impeachment of president Ivanov, supported by the main opposition party SDSM, with other parties from the opposition coalition such as NSDP and LDP, and other parties such as DOM, DS, and ruling DUI.[56][57] On 6 June, there were huge anti-government demonstrations in Skopje and Bitola. The demonstrators gave an ultimatum on the 18th of June to the government and President Ivanov to resign. The same day, president Ivanov overturned abolition.[58][59][60] On 17 June, there was an anti-government protest to warn the government and president that it was the last day for the ultimatum from the "Протестирам" (I protest) to Ivanov and government to resign.[61][62] On June 20, tens of thousands took part of massive anti-government demonstrations in the capital Skopje.[63][64]
Reactions
[edit]Domestic
[edit]After three political parties asked him to reconsider, President Ivanov announced on 15 April that he will stand by his decision regarding the amnesty of politicians. He said, "I think the decision protects the state interest and I inform you that I am standing by it."[65] When the EU offered to host negotiations in Vienna, Zaev stated that he would only be willing to do so if "Ivanov withdraws all the pardons he granted, and ... parliament re-convenes and revokes the decision to call elections on June 5th, because there are no conditions for it."[28] In late April, police placed five demonstrators under house arrest, among them Zdravko Saveski and Vladimir Kunovski, members of presidium of "Levica" (the left), for vandalizing the presidential offices.[2]
One of the country's largest parties and member of the government coalition, the ethnic Albanian party Democratic Union for Integration, questioned the legitimacy of the elections for June 5, saying that they would not be possible without the opposition's participation.[66] On May 11, another two Albanian parties in Macedonia proclaimed that they would join the boycott of the elections.[67]
International
[edit]
Bulgaria — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Daniel Mitov, urged for political dialogue in order to find a solution to the crisis and for people to refrain from violence on 14 April. He stated "I call on all political leaders in the Republic of Macedonia to immediately resume political dialogue and to seek common solutions to the current political crisis, in the first place to occupy themselves with maintaining public order and internal stability. I appeal for refraining from any form of violence." Mitov also said it is necessary to continue to implement the Przino Agreement, signed in 2015. He stated, "I urge politicians in the Republic of Macedonia to take up the agenda of reforms, to strengthen democratic institutions in the interest of all citizens and to restore the Republic of Macedonia to the path of European integration."[68]
Croatia — The President of Social Democratic Party of Croatia and leader of Croatian opposition Zoran Milanović met with Zoran Zaev, president of SDSM and opposition leader in Macedonia, and stated on May 12 that he and his party give full support to Zaev and the SDSM since they are all "progressive forces in battle for democratic principles" in Macedonia.[69][70]
European Union — It was suggested by the European Commission member Johannes Hahn on 18 April 2016 that a meeting be held in Vienna, Austria, on 22 April, so that the two sides can come to an agreement. "The aim of the meeting will be to discuss ways to solve the crisis, and to ensure that leaders will continue with the implementation of the Przino agreement," a spokesperson stated. The VMRO agreed to attend, while the SDSM said there should be a response in the coming days.[71] On 15 April, Donald Tusk, chairman of the European Council said that the future of Macedonia in NATO and the EU is under threat as a result of these events.[12] On 21 April, the EU decided to cancel the planned meeting between Macedonian politicians in Vienna, saying "The persisting rule of law issues in [the capital] Skopje, which undermine this agreement, must be addressed without any further delay."[13] On May 1, the EU ambassador in Macedonia, Aivo Orav, conveyed a message from Johannes Hahn to the four major party leaders in Macedonia that they renew dialogue and come to a solution to this crisis. He also urged them to continue the reforms to make conditions for "truly fair elections."[72] On 11 May, it was revealed that EU and US diplomats were involved in talks with both the government and opposition, but made little progress.[73]
Germany — In a statement, the Foreign Office announced that "The political situation in Macedonia is a cause for concern in the German federal government." On 5 May, former German ambassador to Austria, Yugoslavia, and head of the Foreign Office's southeast Europe and Turkey department Johannes Haindl was appointed as the German special envoy to help resolve the Macedonian political crisis, by foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.[42] It was reported on May 12 that Haindl would present three demands to the leaders of Macedonia's four largest political parties: cancel the pardon of politicians, cancel the early elections, and protect the Constitutional Court's integrity.[74]
Italy — Italian member of parliament Luca Volontè stated in an interview that the reason for Zaev's boycott of the elections scheduled for June 5 is that he knows that he does not have enough support to win them.[75]
Russia — The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its concern about the political crisis in Macedonia. On 14 April the Foreign Ministry gave a statement, "We have received messages about the escalation of the political confrontation in Macedonia that is taking place in Skopje with concern. We call on all the sides [to the dispute] to engage in political dialogue."[citation needed] Additionally, the Foreign Ministry stated that it is concerned by foreign interference in the events, saying that the Macedonian opposition became an instrument for escalating conflict. It also said that the opposition is attempting to disrupt the elections to be held on June 5, which Russia considers the only legitimate way out of the crisis, and warned about the potential of a "Ukrainian scenario" which could "destabilize the Balkans."[9]
Serbia — The Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said that he is concerned about the situation in the country, stating that the "Ukrainization of Macedonia" does not help anyone. "Clashes and disorder and every kind of destabilization threaten to affect the entire region, we in Serbia work to preserve peace and stability," he said on 16 April.[10]
United States — The Department of State commented that the U.S. is "deeply concerned" about the decision of President Gjorge Ivanov to pardon 56 politicians. Spokesman John Kirby stated on 13 April that "This decision will protect corrupt officials and deny justice to the people of Macedonia." He also said that it undermined the integrity of the country's judicial system and did not follow EU or NATO values. Kirby stated, "It will also further undermine Macedonian rule of law, the integrity of its judicial institutions, and the credibility of its leaders’ commitment to the fundamental values of NATO and the European Union."[14][68] On May 11, it was reported that the EU and US ambassadors in Macedonia were involved in talks with both the government and the opposition. United States Ambassador to Macedonia Jess Baily stated "we remain in touch with the parties".[73]
Aftermath
[edit]See also
[edit]- Corruption in North Macedonia
- 2018-19 Bosnian protests
- 2020 Slovenian protests
- 2011 Macedonian protests
- 2015 Macedonian protests
- 2017 storming of Macedonian Parliament
- 2022 North Macedonia protests
References
[edit]- ^ Government of FYR Macedonia should respect fundamental democratic values in dealing with opposition Archived 2016-04-25 at the Wayback Machine. Party of European Socialists. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b Petrevska, Anastasija. Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia. Global Voices Online. Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Mass protest in Tetovo as part of the colorful revolution Archived 2016-04-29 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Libertas.mk. Published 26 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ Macedonia enters second week of anti-government protests. The Seattle Times. Published 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ a b Macedonia Protests Demanding President's Resignation Continue. Novinite. Published 16 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ "ПРЕЗИДИУМ". 23 February 2016. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ "БИТОЛСКАТА ЛЕВИЦА УДРИ СО ДЕСНИЦА". 24 May 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ a b Protests in Macedonia against Ivanov continue. The Sofia Globe. Published 17 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Commentary of the Department of Information and the Press of the Russian Foreign Ministry about the situation in Macedonia (in Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ a b Macedonia: Serbia fears for stability. (in Italian) ANSA. Published 16 April 2016. Published 19 April 2016.
- ^ a b Protests in Macedonia Gain Momentum as New Round of Political Negotiations Is Announced. Global Voices. Published 19 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ a b Doborovlsky, Vladimir. Tusk: The Future of Macedonia in the EU and NATO is under threat (in Russian). RIA Novosti. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ a b EU warns Macedonia leaders as crisis talks cancelled. BBC. Published 21 April 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Wiretapping Pardons Will 'Deny Justice' to People of Macedonia, US Says. Voice of America. Published 13 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Thousands in Macedonia protest alleged police brutality. ABC News. Published May 8, 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Macedonia protests: Anti-Gruevski rally in Skopje. BBC News. Guy De Launey. Published May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- ^ Macedonian PM under increasing pressure as tens of thousands take the streets. The Guardian. May 17, 2015.
- ^ Macedonia's embattled leader rallies supporters in show of force. The Star. Kole Casule. Published May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
- ^ Commission hammers out Macedonia compromise. Euractiv. Published 16 July 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ a b "Macedonia President Pardons Politicians Facing Charges". Balkan Insight. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ Kole Casule (13 April 2016). "Macedonian president halts wiretap inquiry, opposition brands move a 'coup'". Reuters. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ Third Night of Macedonia Protests Ends with Arrests, Injured Police. Novinite. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ Protests continue for 3rd night in Macedonia over pardons[dead link]. The Washington Post. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Protests Continue In Macedonia As Early Elections Set. Radio Liberty. Published 16 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Parallel Protests Take Place Across Macedonia. Novinite. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ Macedonia Protests Continue For More Than A Week. Radio Liberty. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ Kristina Ozimec (19 April 2016). "Осми ден од "шарената македонска револуција"". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
- ^ a b McLaughlin, Daniel. EU’s Macedonia crisis talks in doubt as protests grow. Irish Times. Published 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ Rival Rallies end Peacefully in Macedonia Capital. Balkan Insight. Published 22 April 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ^ TV 21 (18 March 2016). "И вечерва протести на "Шарената револуција"". TV21 - Macedonia. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Фајненшл Тајмс: ЕУ спрема санкции за македонски политичари". Фокус. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ End of the 11th day of protests (in Macedonian). Vesti 24. Published 23 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
- ^ Zdravko Saveski and Vladimir Kunovski still under house arrest (in Macedonian). Plusinfo.mk. Published 25 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ^ The rain does not stop it: Over 20,000 gathered in front of the Assembly Archived 2016-04-28 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Reporter.mk. Published 25 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ^ GDOM in Kicevo: The people demand elections Archived 2016-04-28 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- ^ Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. Macedonians Resume ‘Colourful Revolution’ Protests. Balkan Insight. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ^ "Colorful Revolution" against politicized judiciary (in Macedonian). Radio Liberty. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ^ "Colorful Revolution": Farmers set up roadblocks Archived 2016-06-30 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Channel 77. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
- ^ Протестирам за фер избори, ГДОМ за избори на 5 јуни (in Macedonian). Deutsche Welle. Published 4 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Оди си Грујо, спаси ја Македонија", се пее на патот кон Владата Archived 2016-05-12 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Published 6 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Слободни избори – криминалците во затвор" порака од протестот во Струмица (ГАЛЕРИЈА) (in Macedonian). Plusinfo. Published 6 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ a b Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. Germany Appoints Special Envoy for Macedonia Crisis. Balkan Insight. Published 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- ^ "Шаренило" и за МРТВ (in Macedonian). Deutsche Welle. Published 7 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ ГАЛЕРИЈА+ВИДЕО: Тргна Антифашистичкиот марш на Шарената револуција Archived 2016-05-12 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Libertas. Published 9 May 2016. Accessed 9 May 2016.
- ^ Започна протестот на Шарената револуција (in Macedonian). Nova TV. Published 9 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ ГАЛЕРИЈА: За прв пат протест на Шарената револуција во Берово – Затвор за криминалци (in Macedonian). Reporter.mk. Published 9 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ (ФОТО) Протест во Прилеп (in Macedonian). Lokalno.mk. Published 9 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ Chalovski, Vlatko. Шарена револуција: Блокирана улицата пред зградата на Груевски (in Macedonian). Nova TV. Published 12 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ "Боја за Собранието, Шарената револуција продолжува низ цела Македонија". 14 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Нова ТВ - Шарената револуција напиша: "Владо мори душманке"Нова ТВ". Нова ТВ. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Macedonian Opposition Parties Sign Joint 'Platform for Democratic Macedonia' - Independent.mk". Retrieved 1 June 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "ВМРО ДПМНЕ единствена партија на избори". Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Macedonia's Early Vote Called into Question as Only One Party Running". Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Macedonia vote campaign starts with just 1 party". Washington Post. 16 May 2016. Archived from the original on 18 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Уставен и официјално донесе времена мерка за одложување на сите изборни активности". Стандард МК. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Од утре формирање Комисија за импичмент на Иванов". TV21. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Интерпелацијата за претседателот Иванов влегува во Собрание". Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Шарената револуција продолжува, претстојат герила-акции и блокирање на институциите (ФОТО+ВИДЕО)". МКД.мк. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ "Шарената револуција даде рок до 18 јуни: Во спротивно, граѓаните ќе ја земат демократијата и слободата во свои раце! | Либертас". Libertas.mk. 2016-06-06. Archived from the original on 2016-06-10. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
- ^ "Видео од пробивањето на полицискиот кордон пред Соборниот храм". 6 June 2016.
- ^ ""Шарената револуција" со огнен број 1 го заврши одбројувањето". Meta.mk. 2016-06-17. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
- ^ "Со бакли исцртан бројот 1, истекува рокот за исполнување на барањата на шарените (ВИДЕО)". Archived from the original on 2016-06-19. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
- ^ "(ВИДЕО) Илјадници луѓе низ улиците - Бројката континуирано расте - Reporter.mk". Archived from the original on 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
- ^ "ОБНОВЕНО Скопје е затнато, почнува најмасовниот протест против режимот ФОТО + ВИДЕО". Archived from the original on 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
- ^ president stands by wiretap pardons despite protests[dead link]. Reuters. Published 15 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. Macedonia's DUI Queries Sense of June Election. Balkan Insight. Published 27 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
- ^ Two more Macedonia parties join election boycott. World Bulletin. Published 12 May 2016. Accessed 12 May 2016.
- ^ a b Macedonia crisis: Bulgaria urges dialogue, end to violence. The Sofia Globe. Published 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Milanović: Podržavamo SDSM i progresivne snage u Makedoniji (in Croatian). SDP. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ Силна поддршка од Милановиќ за Заев и граѓаните: Да се обезбедат правната држава и регуларни избори Archived 2016-09-14 at the Wayback Machine (in Macedonian). Libertas. Published 11 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ Hahn invites Macedonia leaders to Vienna talks EurActiv. Published 18 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ EU Mulls Fresh Macedonia Crisis Talks. Balkan Insight. Published 3 May 2016. Accessed 3 May 2016.
- ^ a b Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. US, EU Diplomats Restart Macedonia Crisis Talks Balkan Insight. Published 11 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ Marusic, Sinisa Jakov. German Envoy to Put Demands to Macedonia Leaders. Balkan Insight. Published 12 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ Italian MP: Macedonia's Leftist Opposition boycotting Elections because It Can't win? Archived 2016-05-12 at the Wayback Machine. Macedonian Online. Published 2 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.